The views in this article are the opinions of a long time activist and resident of Charlotte, NC. He and his wife foster unaccompanied children from the U.S.-Mexico border.
By Kyle Clements | November 17, 2025
CHARLOTTE, NC— Since 2021, Beth and I have opened our home to nearly 40 unaccompanied children from the border—kids escaping violence in their home country, reuniting with family, and fighting for their chance at safety in America.
This weekend, Customs and Border Patrol brought their dangerous, fear-driven operation straight into Charlotte, North Carolina.
On Friday, we were already working to protect two of our kids who were in danger. By Saturday, we were in the streets—marching, chanting, and telling CBP loud and clear to “GET OUT of the Queen City.” We ran into old movement friends from the Black Lives Matter marches.
These fights are interconnected—they always have been.
The Party for Socialism & Liberation and Seeking Justice Charlotte organized a powerful teach-in at First Ward Park. There were roughly 700 people ready to learn their rights and hit the pavement. When the crowd moved back into the streets, we of course went with them.
Beth, Autumn and Dr. Rodney Sadler from Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice stayed at the back of the march—watching for police nonsense, keeping the young leaders safe. Movement work isn’t just marching; it’s protection.
I felt inspired by the 20 to 30-year-old’s leading the march. We set a good example in the late 2010s and they are carrying a heavy stone with amazing maturity.
On the way home Saturday, Beth & I stopped at Manolos Central Ave Bakery to help support them, buying as many delicious confections and breads as we could afford after Mr. Manolo posted on social media he would be closing for a few days to keep his workers safe from CBP harassment in the area. While I was checking out, Beth was already outside engaged with a group already 'On Patrol.' We joined them—and suddenly we were part of a 10-person neighborhood watch, eyes sharp, hearts steady, ready to stand between ICE/CBP and the workers who craft these amazing baked goods.
We encountered three different ICE/CBP vehicles. Two crept into the parking lot trying to intimidate us. Nobody moved. Nobody broke. CBP/ICE agents were relegated to flipping a few middle fingers before speeding off like cowards.
And yes—while watching a CNN report on Sunday I could hear Beth in the background yelling:
“Get the f* out of here!”
She is a fearless mama bear, and she means every word.
We stayed for hours so the bakery could stay open. Our group of 10 soldiers didn't leave until Mr. Manolo assured us all of his workers were able to finish their work and leave safely for home.
This is what community defense looks like!
It reminded me of the teachings of Sherman Forte—one of the original six members of the Black Panthers—which he shared with us in 2015: patrol your own neighborhood and protect your own people.
On Sunday, Manolo's stayed closed. Beth & I patrolled Central Ave and South Blvd from 10AM–4PM, always just behind CBP activity—but still showing up. And we’ll keep showing up all week. We stopped for an hour to stand with @IndivisibleCLT in the NoDa area and the countless horn honks in support were awesome.
Immigrant workers in this city deserve safety, dignity, and peace—not raids and intimidation.
If you're in Charlotte, contact Carolina Migrant Network to volunteer time or funds. If you're not, please consider making a donation to this vital Community Organization. This work is urgent. This work is not FREE.
As we worry for every Latino family in Charlotte, I keep thinking of the tears, joy, and hugs of our foster children we’ve helped reunite with their families in our United States. These kids ARE living the American story in a dramatic way. From their journey here to the trials and tribulations they endure after they arrive.
We grew up hearing about the “melting pot” promise of American Democracy. Somehow a whole lot of White folks my age forgot the lesson. The U.S. is supposed to be the place where you chase the American Dream—not run from a government that treats you like you don’t belong. Our current leader has pulled back the curtain and enabled racists to step out of the dark & into the light again. We need to send them back under the rock they ooozed out from underneath.
This week, CBP will run their operation.
And this week, our community will meet them in the streets—stronger, louder, and united.
Here’s the thing: we’re not going anywhere. We live here happily with our newest United States residents. CPB live in Charlotte temporarily in a crappy hotel room but permanently on the wrong side of history.
Chant: When immigrant rights are under attack
WHAT DO WE DO?
STAND UP. FIGHT BACK!
See you in the streets.
For Black Lives.
For Immigrants.
For Justice for All.
Kyle Clements is a long time resident of Charlotte, North Carolina. He and his wife are foster parents for unaccompanied minors. They have helped dozens of children transition into new homes
